Spiritual Experience of Janani Divya Jnana Tapaswini

Guru - Boundless Store house of love and grace
Janani Divya Jnana Tapaswini

I consider the day on which I got the darshan of my Guru for the first time as the most blessed and auspicious day in my life. It was in 1990 and I was studying in standard III. A disciple of Guru told my father about Guru and asked him to go to meet Guru. Accordingly, we had gone to the Ashram. Fortunately when we reached, it was time for Guru-darshan. Guru was not well at that time. He gave darshan in a recumbent state. The sight of Guru and the ambience endeared me to the Ashram. A unique sense of comfort and freshness dawned within me. Guru asked mother if she was having any problem. She answered in the negative.

When we came out, Guru asked Amrutha Janani to find out from mother if she had any ailment. Now mother opened up and told that during monsoon season she could not raise one hand. It was a chronic problem and all attempted treatments were of no avail. When Guru was told about this, he beckoned mother and talked about the issue. He then gave a pack of bhasma (vibhuthi) and asked it to be applied on the affected hand with prayers. “It’ll be cured” Guru assured mother. Mother was less enthusiastic about this suggestion and left it at that. But when the pain exacerbated she applied the bhasma and prayed. After sometime, she felt that the pain subsided and then it was gone forever! We developed great love, affection and reverence towards Guru. We started visiting the ashram once or twice a year.

Guru visited our house on 20th May 1994. This was during the pilgrimage to Kuthuparamba. He stayed at our house for more than three days. But during those days, I could not go near Guru and had to be away in a relative’s house. However, whatever ‘prasadam’ Guru would give others, he made it a point to keep my share thereof. When I returned (after the monthly periods), mother handed over these things to me. I could discern Guru’s love and care for me and felt that I must be having a bond of relationship with this Acharya.

Guru had instructed my parents to take me to meet Guru when he reached Kozhikode en-route the pilgrimage. We did accordingly and listened to Guru’s discourses on various topics. But, I was poor in listening. Although I would be looking at Guru, my attention used to drift to other things and people around. Many a time, Guru had caught me wandering around by saying “Look here and listen to me”. When we left, Guru gave me sweets and other prasadam. We were also told to let Guru know about any developments in the house and to accompany Guru’s entourage back to the Ashram. We joined Guru at Ernakulam. When we stayed at the Ashram there, two girls were introduced to me as kids with the power of darshan (spiritual vision). I wondered what the darshan was about.

Within a month of our return home, I experienced ‘darshan’. It was at 6.30 pm on 25th June. I was a student of class VII. It was like this: I was habitually not good at praying. When we - my sisters and myself - sat together for prayers, I used to take it lightly and engage in mischief. Not because I did not respect and love Guru. I was simply like that. On the day of the experience, when we sat for lunch, I didn’t have proper appetite. When mother compelled, unwillingly I took some non-vegetarian food. After sometime everything was vomited. There was no illness and I felt okay. In the evening, when we sat for the regular prayers, I felt pleasant. At the end of the prayers, we were on our feet chanting Guru Gita. At that time, I was transported to some other plane of consciousness. In that state, figures and scenes appeared and vanished in front of my closed eyes as if in a movie. I could see clearly those standing on either side and the lamp and pedestal in front. After a few moments, I involuntarily took steps and bowed before the lamp and fell unconscious.

Internally at that time I was seeing a black cat, frightful as it was, staring with its luminous eyes at me. I cried aloud. Mother and sisters were simply watching me taking steps and bowing in front of the lamp, thinking that, as usual, I was being playful. Hearing my cry, father came down from the upper floor and those around me were also upset. I lay unconscious for about five minutes. Kumbatheertha (holy medicated water of Kumbamela) was sprayed on me and vibhuthi was applied on the body. I was sweating all over, was stiff and could not tell anything.
Father contacted Ashram and told Amrutha Janani about the matter. Janani informed Guru and was asked to advise us that what was seen was good and that Guru would speak to me over telephone. I was nervous about talking to Guru over phone. Two minutes later Guru was on the phone, asking me what I had seen. I explained everything. Guru told: This is the beginning of darshan for you. The cat was a tricky sanyasi who was stealthily trying to bag everything from Guru. Your darshan is good and this is beginning of spiritual advancement. I was told that I would be seeing such things again and again. And I did. The following day, while praying, I could see not only the black cat but various other things as well. When Guru was informed about this, we were told that continuing at home would not be okay for me and that I was to be brought to the Ashram for proper interpretation of my darshan. We were also instructed not to take any food en-route to the Ashram. Upon reaching Ashram, I was given a detailed account of the various aspects of the darshan and was enabled to experience the subtle aspects. I got spiritual vision, which unfolded the reasons for Guru’s incarnation; the grace of Guru thanks to which I was with him for several incarnations; how the devis, devas, rishis, prophets and other great souls have been prostrating before and worshipping Guru etc. Needless to say, all these are the most treasured experiences of mine.

Guru could actualize great and noble tasks, unattained by the innumerable prophets and great souls who descended on the earth so far, through his arduous penances and ‘tyaga’ (sacrifice). The said prophets and great souls revered Guru and told me thus: “Dear, take to this path and tread it with all attention, unerringly. We were not fortunate to have a Guru like yours. Till last breath, hold this firm to your heart”. I had the darshan of my maternal grandfather as well who said: “Baby, hold this precious spiritual line rapturously, as it is perforce needed for our salvation. It can happen only through this Guru”.

I used to frequent the Ashram at monthly intervals, with a view to get my darshans interpreted. During such visits, we used to stay for about a fortnight at the Ashram. When this practice started affecting my studies, as per Guru’s direction, I joined Santhigiri Vidyabhavan and stayed at the Ashram for proper interpretation of my spiritual experiences. This was on 5th June, 1996, and I was in standard IX. While studying in IXth and Xth standards, there were moments when I desired to return home. Obviously, my mind was not stable in the new path during such periods. While in Xth standard, I had told Guru that I envisioned the life of a sanyasini. He responded, brushing aside such ideas, asking me to concentrate on the studies. But Guru had told my mother that he would tell about my future course after two years. When I was studying for Plus Two, Guru left his body and merged in Adisankalpa. As destined, after 72 days Guru gave me sanyasa-initiation and the new name in the sanyasa-robe.

Beyond description is the greatness of our Guru who is now above us as Navaoli! Unfathomable is Guru’s love and affection for his disciples! Guru’s divine light is all pervading in this Universe. His greatness, as experienced by me, is the ultimate truth beyond anybody’s comprehension. The cardinal mistake which occurred aeons ago was corrected by Guru with his unparalleled spiritual power. This was unimaginable for all the acharyas of yore.

Guru has merged in Adisankalpa. But the same love, affection and care I’m experiencing now also through Guru’s Sishya Poojita Amrutha Jnana Tapaswini. And the whole of Santhigiri lineage would vouch for the fact that Guru is always with us. Welfare of the world through his disciples is Guru’s mission. And that’s the Will of God.

(Courtesy: Santhigiri International Conference Souvenir)

The Role of Spirituality in Health

Dr. Bahuleyan

The place focality in the science of Ayurveda is unique. They are inseparable because the bond between them is very firm. This divine form of Science has penetrated deep in to the spiritual and material aspects of life.

If we want to bring forth the spiritual aspects of this science of life, we have to explore the personal experiences. I have a lot of personal experiences with Guru. Santhigiri came to the field of health under the guidance of Guru to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and the needy. The people who came to the ashram could get tranquility and peace of mind at the very sight of Guru. I was much graced to witness innumerable exciting moments during my association with Guru. A lot of people came to Guru after undergoing treatment for many serious diseases but without any recovery. I can recollect many instances where such people got relief and cure by adhering to Guru’s words. In such cases, doctors will only be instruments.

Here, I would like to narrate an instance from my personal experience. A person, who had fallen from a big tree, was brought to the ashram. He had many fractures, injured muscles and dislocations. Guru asked me to treat him even though I was very inexperienced at that time. Only because of Guru’s grace he got quick relief and could walk and go home. That instance aroused much satisfaction and happiness in me. Once a twelve-year-old boy was brought to the ashram who had lost his eyesight, as the reaction of a medicine given for curing fever. According to the doctor treating him, there was no chance of regaining the eye sight since the optic nerves had been damaged. The entire family was in a terrible plight. At that time, late Mr. K.P.Vaidyar, Karuvatta and myself were in charge of the Santhigiri Hospital. Guru asked me to give all the necessary treatment for the boy and I started the treatment on the usual prescribed way. In addition to that, we gave the medicines prescribed by Guru after Sankalpam. The boy recovered very soon and was advised to continue the treatment for a certain period every year for a length of time. That boy regained full eye sight and has completed more than two decades and now heads a Panchakarma Centre at Malappuram. Thus Guru’s grace and kind words give motivation and strength to every deed. Guru fulfilled His mission through me, I felt . The boy and his parents were very happy . They brought some gifts but I refused to accept these. But when they brought these home, I was forced to accept them. I submitted the gifts to Guru. At that time, Guru looked at every one and commented ‘what use of money for a Swami, I am the one who treated him’. Later on, I realized that Guru quoted this as a reminder of an experience which Sree Narayana Guru had from his Vaidya disciple at Aruvipuram.

When hundreds of experiences come to my mind in a row, I cannot forget my bitter personal experiences that affected my family. My wife, Mrs. Lalitha Bahuleyan, was a victim of the dreadful cancer during 1984-85. Even after giving various treatments, there was no sign of recovery. I was in a very pathetic situation. But I never told Guru about it. Once Guru asked me why I was worried. Guru knows everything but a disciple has to tell his grievances to Guru and beg for Guru’s mercy. That awareness is lacking in us and that itself is the grief of Guru. When I told Guru about my wife’s ailment, he instructed Janani to find out the details through vision. The ailment was of a defect in the jiva and there was no treatment for it. The entire family has to pray, and only through that, the defects in the jiva can be rectified, that is what Janani had seen in the vision. We strictly followed the advice of Guru and were deeply involved in prayers, sankalpa and offering of flowers on every Monday and Friday. Janani had also seen in the vision that no secondaries were formed. After a period of time, Guru told us to remove the tumour through surgery and take medicines afterwards to prevent it from recurring. Doctors in the R.C.C. commented that I was doing research with my wife’s tumor. It was because of their ignorance about jiva and soul that they commented like this. After surgery, my wife is enjoying good health.

According to the Ayurveda philosophy, diseases are the result of Karmadosha. These cannot be cured by medicine alone. Those doshas can be removed through prayers and these should be done under the guidance of a fully realized Guru. By the grace of the ultimate Brahmam, through Guru, the disease was completely cured. My wife wrote an article about her experience under the title ‘Guru - God for us’ in the 65th Gurujayanthi publication of the year 1991.

One day in Nov. 1998, I had a heart problem at one O’ clock in the night. I could not breathe. When I came out and started vomiting, the sound awoke my family and they were frightened. I prayed strongly to Guru and I felt his presence. I got some relief and did not have much problem later. I was taken to Sree Chitra Medical Centre and all the tests were done. They identified three blocks in the heart and told us that an urgent bypass surgery is required. If not, there is possibility of heart attacks. I reached ashram and informed Guru. After listening to me Guru asked me to postpone the operation and to take some medicine which was identified through vision by Janani. I started that medicine and still continue it.

In the present context, I do remember the words of Guru. He once told us that He was an Ayurveda Acharya and we devotees were the disciples in one of the previous births. Let these words be accomplished always. Let the renaissance of Ayurveda occur through the research at Santhigiri.

(Courtesy: Santhigiri International Conference Souvenir)

Well Known Neurologist on Health and Spirituality

Santhigiri And Modern Medicine
Dr. Shyam Prasad MD, DM*

People from all walks of life visit Santhigiri Ashram to know about the doctrine of Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru the founder of Santhigiri Ashram. They also want to get relief from the difficulties of their life. Guru tries to correct the misunderstandings among people that miracles are not the fulfilment of Divine attainment. Guru re-established Sanathana Dharma according to Yugadharma and initiated the creation of a new world order.

All science and doctrines which would not try to change according to Yugadharma’s will not exist for long. This new ideology explains not only the importance and drawbacks of modern medicine but also ruined prosperity & stability of human life. The authenticity of this new method which is patented by Santhigiri is dedicated to the world through Guru. Years back Guru started to establish Medical practice and it is being conducted carefully. Santhigiri got permission to start the first Siddha College in Kerala. Ayurveda Medical College of Santhigiri is also formulating new methods in Medical practice.

I remember the occasion when I first reached the abode of Guru. Guru asked me “Is human body a machine with jeevan’ (soul) or does it have ‘jeevan’ in it” as he knew about me as a doctor. This question made me to think a lot. I never had thought about such a matter. But I could not convince Guru that human body is only a biological machine and there is no such thing as this kind of ‘Jeevan’ in it. I felt that my thoughts are directed to a particular area. The ‘I’ in myself predominated in my thoughts.

I remember the interpretation of ‘life’ in the book ‘paralokavum punarjanmavum’ (eternal world & rebirth) written by Acharya Narendra Bhooshan. In that book he explains the meaning & importance of ‘I’. Daily more or less hundred times we use this word. What is this ‘I’ which we always use. Is it our body or any part of it? Who is this socalled ‘I’. All of us, ourselves see it through mirror. We appreciate our beauty. The attractive image which we see through mirror is not ‘I’. Such kind of thinking is wrong. If body is the ‘I’ then what is life? Why fear of death? Why we wish to live? What is the purpose of life and death. All men rich & poor, literate & illiterate, scientists & philosophers have to accepte the truth. Do innocent, dishonest, wicked all men face the same end?

Does ‘I’ mean a visible body with mind? If ‘I’ means not body, then what am I? Anything which is in the body? What is the relation between it and the body? Did it exist before body? Then what is its figure like? What is the ultimate aim of the body? Does ‘I’ end with the body?. If not in which form will ‘life’ exist? Is ‘I’ the life or soul (Jeevatma)?

Now I recollect the story of Nachikethas in ‘Kadopanishath’. Nachikethas asked Yamadeva while he was in search of the secret of Jeeva. “Somebody says after death man remains. I need a solution for this problem. Clarify what is eternal? Advise me about Divine knowledge. “A Guru who got spiritual attainment only can give advise on such matters.” That was Yama deva’s reply.

My thoughts reached a dead end. I told Guru “I believe in the existence of life in human body though I did not learn it from Medical books”. With smile Guru said “If you think so what will you do for that Jeevan”. I have never heard such a question in my life. The man who is working for 24 hours is only for his physical & material aim. Learning, wealth and loving each other, praying God are all for material gains. What will man do to “life” when he doesnot know about Jeevan? We do not know that the aim of human life is for purification of ‘Jeevan’ (soul). Those who knew it never tried to do it. I kept silent without answering Guru’s question. Guru continues his question. “You know that all parts of human body can be attacked by any disease. Can you then clarify the disease which affects ‘Jeevan’? How can you diagnose it? Who can cure it?” I remember the occasions when I could not diagnose some diseases precisely. I became aware of the limitations of modern medicine.

I had to face so many situations where I failed to suggest a proper treatment. So we treat only for the sake of treatment. Different names of disease went through my mind. How can Medical Science diagnose the disease which affects Jeevan? In the Medical world we can diagnose only diseases at the body with the help of scaning machine. I wish of we got a machine which can scan the disease affecing Jeevan.

I stood before Guru helplessly. Guru said “Jeevan has somany merits which are good & bad. Good is known as ‘virtue’ (punya) and bad ‘vice’ (papa). Human life is a balanced total of these good and bad parts. This is called as fate.

I felt that I am learning the earlier part of Medical Science. “I tried to analyse the meaning of Guru’s valuable words. Virtue oriented life has luck, healthy body, prosperity and a life with papa has bad luck weak body with somany diseases and their lives become tragic. If so, different kinds of diseases will arise. I failed to think about how to diagnose and treat certain diseases.

The divine words of Guru again come to my mind. “Different types of diseases may arise in human body. The reasons are these.

1. Common disease
2. The disease which results because of misworship
3. The disease relating to ‘Jeevan’.

I felt that, I was sitting in a post graduate class in Medical Science. The classification of diseases based on spiritual factors was something new to me. I was totally perplexed to hear ....... and tried to learn about diseases, related to Jeevan which is due to distorated Aradhana (worship). What is the ‘Aradhana Dosham’ (defect of worship). Is praying God a good deed? How is it wrong? Worshipping anything believing it God is not good. I learned from Guru that worshipping any spirit beleiving it as God is foolishness. That is not the proper way to God.

I remember the advice of Sreekrishna to Arjuna that if we worship devil we attain Devi-Devas if we worship Devi-Devas reaches the same we attain them, the worship of evil spirit Guru ‘pithru’ leads to ‘pithur’ & worship of leads us Guru. I remember many patients of which especially five patients - three women & two men. All of them were following the path of worship evil spirits through which they performed certain miracles to the public. They had achieved wealth and fame and finally became miserable. Three of them got paralysis, one man became in sane & other got giddiness. They achieved fame through worshipping false Gods and thus gained for them faith of the public. At certain stages in the prosperous life the grace of their life vanished and they became sick. The false God (Upasana Moorthy) aspired the virtues of their devotees. The evil spirits encourages their devotees and acquire their virtue of Jeevan and then made them sick. I felt pity for the ignorant devotees of evil spirit.

On another occasion when I was in Guru’s presence a family came to see Guru with their 16 year old girl. She was very weak. She always makes a strange sound like bolech. Because of the strange disease she could eat or drink anything properly for the last three months. Her family treated her in different hospitals like Medical College, Trivandrum & Mental Hospital. As she did not get any relief from the treatments they reached here as directed by somebody. Guru asked me about her disease. I replied that it may be because of some mental problem. But they had already treated her for mental disorders but had no good result. I know nothing more to say.

Again Guru asked me to know about their way of worship. They were people from below poverty line and belonged to S/C. They were worshipping an evil spirit in an Amman Koil near their house. This disease is because of the influence of their deity. I understood that if they followed and believed in Guru’s words the evil spirit will be destroyed & thus the girl might get relief. If they do not follow this way the disease will repeat.Human body is formed according to Jeevakarma for thousands of years. The lack of virtue in Jeeva exists as different types of disease. Sages who are Njani’s say about the reason for diseases as “poorva Janmakritham papam, Vyadhiroopena Jayathe”. Disease which is the result of ‘Janmanthar karma’ is called ‘karma vyadhi’.

The knowledge which we learnt from science is not enough to diagnose or treat all diseases. In most cases diagnosis is not apt. Only a temporary relief is got from the medicines. In some cases medicines have no effect. Asthma, Diabetes, B.P., Cancer are such heriditary diseases. If modern science cannot cure diseases properly what then will be a solution. Each and every person has a halo according to their own ‘Jeevan’s merit & demerit. There was a time when sages of India treated diseases according to the colour of this halo. They had asked the plants themselves about their medicinal value. They got a strange light like knowledge of medicine which is bestowed with God’s Grace. The sage imparted this knowledge to people through disciples. This sage culture has been lost since hundreds of years back. If the disease due to the defect of Jeevan or karmadosha we have to do punyakarma. What is the way for that? A Guru to whom Brahmam has given the power to protect all life can only do this correction appropriately.

Achieve ‘punya’ (virtue) according to ‘kaladharma. That is Gurumargam’. Through that punyam (fortune) one may get at Santhigiri’s theory of Health (Arogyadharma Sidhantham) which is dedicated to the world for this purpose. It is a kind of theory which keeps all science with Guru’s Vision. This is rather a life style than Medical practice.If we accept the way to avoid ‘karmadosham’ we can follow the scientific way of treatment for this karmavyadhi. But in most cases one kind of treatment is not enough. Different types of treatment should be practised at different times.

Let me point out an experience of one of my relatives. It was in 1990. She got breast cancer. Papilaridikt carcinoma which can spread through blood. She went to Guru after diagnosing the disease through Biopsy. Guru said it was due to lack of ‘punya’ in ‘Jeevan’ (years back when asked about the delay of her marriage then also Guru said this. Besides this Guru intimated them that some problems may arise later. But at that time they did not take it seriously.) Guru directed them to pray for God’s Grace and start Allopathy treatment. Operation was conducted. Doctor of R.C.C. concluded that the germs did not spread in other parts of the body. So no more treatment was needed. Knowing this Guru said ‘the disease has spread to other parts and it will come soon. Siddha medicine should be taken in order to prevent this.

As directed by Guru they started taking Siddha medicine with prayer staying at Santhigiri Hospital. Then for sometime Homeo Medicine & finally Ayurveda for a long time. On some occasions Guru gave her Bhasmam & theertham only with special Sankalpam. Guru advised her to pray continually with the sankalpam’ of ‘Appa Guruve’ always. About ten years later she was suffering from back pain & leg pain. They went to R.C.C. and did all tests including bone scan. The report was that she has no disease. Guru said she had disease but it will not apper now. Again started taking Siddha medicine.

Two months later when they repeated the bone scan it was clear that bone cancer had affected her. Guru told them to start treatment in R.C.C. Still they are taking medicine from R.C.C. Besides that ‘Bhasmam’ & ‘theertham’ from Guru and some Ayurveda Medicine. With the Grace of Guru she still lives in good health. She goes for office work and does household work properly. She is coming to Ashram & doing some ‘karma’ there when ever she gets time. I am eagerly wishing that modern Medical Science should be changed according to Guru’s ideology for the well being of the world. Praying always for it.

*The author is a well known Neurologist and Secretary, Santhigiri Ashram Advisory Board)

(Courtesy: Santhigiri International Conference on Health, Peace and Spirituality Souvenir)

Guru Never Disappoints a Devotee

Gurucharanam Saranam

Bangalore, Year 1995. Mrs. Anand Ram, mother of Janani Rishi Retna Jnana Tapaswini called me in the office informing that those who have ‘experiences’ should reach Kanyakumari. I was surprised because she had rarely any reason to call me. Guru would be arriving there for the performance of a special sankalpam. Sitting in the boredom of office, the news was exhilarating. I reached Vivekananda Kendra at Kanyakumari, the venue, early in the morning. Guru was expected to reach in the afternoon. Sri Iyer and other organizers were present.

Arrangements for Guru’s accommodation were done at two places, one at Travancore Maharaja’s House on the seashore and the other at Vivekananda Kendram. Sri Kottayam Babu and Sri Surendran (Now brahmachari) were cleaning and preparing the rooms for Guru at Vivekananda Kendram. The rooms and bathroom were thoroughly brushed and cleaned with water and surf powder, then detoxified with fumes and then scented. I also contributed my might in cleaning and preparing the accommodation of Guru. I felt an inner satisfaction while rubbing the floor that I could get such an opportunity. I earnestly prayed that Guru should feel comfortable and pleasant in the room that I cleaned. The rooms at Travancore House too were getting ready simultaneously. No one knew to which place Guru would go. As I had sincerely prayed and exerted much cleaning the room at Vivekananda Kendram, I expected Guru to come to Vivekananda Kendram. But soon information came that the cavalcade of Guru has approached Kanyakumari and that Guru would be going straight to Travancore House.

Soon the cavalcade arrived and I knew that Guru went to Travancore House. Some of us went to Travancore house and met Guru. After sometime or the next day morning (regret my failing memory) all people were asked to immediately assemble at Vivekanada Kendram for the sankalpam. Thousands of white clad devotees sat down wherever possible in the vast lawns of Vivekananda Kendram and did the sankalpam. I do not remember the lines of sankalpam Guru gave us that day, but it was a major sankalpam Guru did for the spiritual uplift of India. A procession was also taken the same day through Kanyakumari town to the sea beach, where Guru spoke to the assembly of devotees from a dais built for the purpose on the beach. Guru spent the night at Travancore House. The room arranged for Guru at Vivekananda Kendram was occupied by few ladies in the night as all other rooms in the centre were occupied. I felt irritated by this fact. I had cleaned the room with extreme devotion and prayers for Guru. But now it was all futile.

The following day Guru came to Vivekananda Kendram. A welcome was arranged by the staff and devotees at Vivekananda Kendram for Guru. Guru spoke to the assembly and gave prasadam to all people at Vivekananda Kendram. Devotees also received prasadam from Guru. After the function, Guru stepped down the dais, the usual disciples holding his hands in accompaniment. Guru walked through the pandal to the vehicle parked nearby on the road. Devotees thronged both sides to have a glance at Guru. I still remember the gentle and tender figure of Guru walking, exuding more light than the brilliant daylight around. His was truly a divine form. Though I was enjoying all this, I still felt a vacuum in my heart thinking about the vain job I have done for the sake of Guru in preparing his room. It was all over now.

Guru was seated in the car and it began to move round the curve, the devotees still following him. I lazily stayed behind watching the disappearing vehicle of Guru. I turned back trying to figure out about my return journey. After a few minutes, I found people still thronging in the pathway Guru’s car went. The people were crowded near the room which I had cleaned the previous day for Guru’s stay. I immediately went up there to find out what was happening. Then the devotees said that Guru was resting in the room. After sometime, the cavalcade of Guru moved on again its way back to the ashram. The room Guru got into and rested was the one I cleaned and prepared for him the previous day. Guru never disappoints a devotee in the matter of sincere love and devotion.

The Mission of Santhigiri Ashram

Gurucharanam Saranam

The Mission of Santhigiri Ashram

Mukundan P.R.

In the process of a fundamental evaluation of spirituality, in a life dedicated to godly love and realization of truth, it was revealed to Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru that a catastrophic error in regard to god realization had happened several ages ago, which has affected the moral and spiritual edifice of mankind adversely. This error is not only in reference to India but encompasses the whole world in its consequence.

Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru explained about the division of cosmic time zones into Yuga, Chaturyuga, Manvantara and Kalpa and the variations in dharma – the values, way of life and god realization applicable to each yuga or era which happens according to the will of Brahman. It is called the Sanatana Dharma or Manu Dharma. Sanatana Dharma means the eternal and universal dharma of mankind. Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru interprets this concept in a new light and angle.

In the present Manvantara, i.e. in the 3rd chaturyuga of the seventh Manvantara, contrary to divine ordination, human logic was weaved into the practice of dharma and god realization. This error or ‘original sin’, if it may be called so, had happened 25 chaturyugas back, i.e. several millions of years ago, in the long history of the rise and fall of civilizations that may even go beyond our present solar system. What followed was a spiritual barrenness in the subsequent ages, eclipsing the awareness about the divine ordination for human evolution.

The cosmic plan of human evolution as exemplified by Sanatana dharma, the eternal religion of mankind, through the transcendental vision of rishis and sages was subsequently altered to suit the trimurthi system which followed after the great spiritual cataclysm. Trimurthi system or Hinduism, as it is popularly known today, is but a distortion and misinterpretation of Sanatana Dharma through interpolations, mystic tales, superstitious beliefs and discriminatory practices and rituals which have weaned people away from a righteous life.

Guru critically evaluates the absurdities of caste system and the negative mental and physical consequences resulting from degraded worship and social customs such as worship of evil spirits, pagan rites and rituals including sorcery, magical spells, tantric practices, untouchability, casteism, social embargo of various nature etc, all of which caused the downfall and disintegration of society.

Several sages and prophets have come in the world to lead humanity, but the religions founded in their names have, as may be seen, lost their internal cohesion and have been fragmented into many conflicting sects stifling the process of human transformation against the will of God. Instead of germinating peace, harmony and good will people have been alienated in the name of religion and castes and are being tormented. A situation prevails here that thwarts the unity of people because of the age old religious and social structures and prejudices.

The mission of Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru is to warp a new generation of people with mental and physical prowess to live up to the ideals as ordained by God exterminating social barriers and discriminations of all sorts. It calls for unshakable faith in truth, a sense of sacrifice and limitless love and faith in the oneness of humanity holding on to the guidance of Guru, the medium.

Faith is the firm determination of the mind to fix it on the merciful experiential Light of the Divine. It also means the faith in Guru, the personified Godhead, through whom the experience of the divine is imparted. One identifies and submits himself or herself in word and deed with the benevolent mission of Guru. This is the essence of Guru Margam – the Path of Guru.

Non-believers mean those who have not yet reached the above said state of mind and who follow the blind observance of tradition as well as those who are atheists. No goodness can be derived from the practice of and allegiance to degrading principles and lifestyle as it causes the destruction of virtue in the soul and the consequent fall of the individual and society.

The progress and fulfillment of a person depends on the quotient of goodness, virtue or blessedness in the soul. The merciful Guru is ever concerned about the uplift of such souls and advises the path for earning of virtue in this short span of human life. Guru exhorts us to work together for the obliteration of filth in our soul and society, accumulated by the past deeds of our ancestors and ourselves so that our progeny will be freed from the pollutions of culture and tradition.

Pollution of culture has its root in the thoughts and actions of several generations of our forefathers molded through tradition and way of god worship. Unless those cultural and soul imprints in the psyche of the society are cleansed, the transformation of the society in the desired direction becomes difficult. This goal of cultural cleansing cannot be achieved through socio-political means, as it requires the spiritual guidance of an epochal preceptor, who comes as the authority of the age by divine decree. Such a preceptor perceives the riddles of time and space, light and energy, life and death in perfect tune with the cosmic reality.

The Gurupooja of Santhigiri Ashram is this karmic, genetic, spiritual and cultural cleansing, through the spiritual intercession of Guru. Guru pooja holds out the promise and hope for a global cultural and spiritual renaissance through the birth of a new generation of children unaffected by physical, mental, cultural, spiritual and hereditary negativities. Today thousands of families from a society divided by the walls of caste, religion and class have migrated to a new spiritual movement of equality, spiritual experience and guidance. Guru created for them an enviable model of self-sufficient community living that has become the succor and hope of thousands of people, engaged in various professions, trade and enterprises in Santhigiri Ashram.
The fundamental aim of Santhigiri Ashram is thus a cultural and spiritual regeneration of humanity as expected of this ascending age of Kali Yuga in the process correcting the fundamental error occurred in the practice of Sanatana Dharma that led to societal degeneration and fragmentation worldwide, threatening the peaceful existence and growth of human society.

The Sadhu from the Himalayas

Gurucharanam Saranam

The Sadhu from the Himalayas

Babu was a young boy when he left his home in a village in Kerala. Unlike other children, he disliked to be at his home. He visited unknown households and offered his service to the family. As he was only a small boy, the householders would accede to his strange request and allow him to stay. Eventually his whereabouts would be found out and his parents would arrive to take him back home. Once, his outings became serious when he reached Crawford market in far away Mumbai. From there fate whisked him away to a group of spiritually thinking men. And it was serious again.

One fine morning, Sri Babu became a no-nonsense Sadhu in orange cloths with a heavy burden of matted hair and an equally long beard, wandering in the Himalayas in the manner of ascetics. He was in the race for the spiritual trophy like many other ascetics atop the Himalayas. But the trophy never came in his hand leaving him languid and mirthless. Then he took up a seven year long vow of annual visits to Ajmer Darga in Rajasthan. Now his desperation became uncontrollable, for his years long vow has ended, but the doors to spiritual attainment weren’t still opened. He was furious and caught the neck of the Fakir guarding the tomb in Ajmer Darga. ‘Give me the clue’, Babu Swami thundered. ‘I am on this vow for the last seven years’.

The Fakir quietly took him to an inner recess. After offering some drinks, he mentioned that the clue will be available only at another Darga connected with Ajmer Sahib Family nearby. Collecting the information, he set out immediately and reached the Darga a few KMs away. There too a fakir was guarding the tomb. He took permission from the fakir to tell his prayers. He asked the question of his life to the tomb. ‘You will get it at Kanyakumari’. The tomb said. When I asked him how the tomb gave him the clue, he said it was in the manner of soul communication. Unbelievable, but true! I would not have said so, if I had not got such experiences myself. I have had such experiences with Guru.

Babu Swami then headed towards South and took abode at Kanyakumari, but even after three years, the promised spiritual breakthrough still eluded him.
Babu Swami’s brother had a marble show room near Vyttila in Ernakulam town so he decided to visit him once. He reached Vytiila at the predawn hours. After walking a little he decided to wait at the veranda of a shop. While sitting there thus, he saw a vision of Christ. He thought to himself that the vision was significant. He got up and asked somebody the way to Shanthi Marbles, the brother’s marble show room and went in the direction shown and reached at the gate of Santhigiri Ashram, Ernakulam branch near Palarivattam. The person had directed him to Santhigiri Ashram instead of Shanti Marbles. Babu Swami saw a water pipe near the road that went to the Ashram. He bathed sitting under the pipe and felt fresh. The morning was still in its meditative mood and the bustle and hustle of life was yet to begin in the area. Babu Swami entered the Ashram stepping his right foot first. He had felt some genuine spiritual vibration in the place and a tender hope flickered in some roughened corner of his heart.

The Swami in charge welcomed him and offered breakfast. After breakfast the Swami instructed the mother of Sri Balakrishnan (now Swami Vishwabodha Jnana Tapaswi) to talk to the Sanyasi about the ways of the Ashram. They were speaking in Malayalam. But he feigned ignorance as they had already took him as a North Indian Sadhu, who did not know the local language. As instructed, Swami’s mother explained about the Ashram. She told him that the Ashram followed a system different from that of temple worship and that they followed the Guru in all matters concerning life and death. The Ashram even differed radically with the traditional sanyasa concept in some important aspects.

Babu Swami then asked her where their Guru was available. She gave the detail of Santhigiri Ashram, Pothencode. Babu Swami took her leave and fixed up a meeting with his brother in Shanti Marbles. The family members had forgotten him, but his brother recognized him. He called his brother out from the shop. ‘I require some money urgently’, the Swami said to his brother. ‘I shall be hanging around. You may come with the money to Marine Drive. I shall be there in the park. I require the money to go to a place in Thiruvananthapuram ’. As agreed, the brother came and handed over the money to him.

At the serene gateway of Santhigiri Ashram, Pothencode stood a dark looking Sanyasi with heavy matted locks perched on his head and equally long beard flowing down to the chest. His eyes had a fierce expression. His rugged appearance and manners bespoke of the rigor the life of a sanyasi is subjected to living in the wilderness, wandering from places to places. The person at the reception was startled at the sight of the Sadhu. He guided him immediately to the Ashram office.

The Sanyasi was not very communicable. One person by the name Vinayakan came there and asked him, ‘Swamiji, what is your name? Where are you from? What are you doing?’ The Swami ignored his questions and asked him to tell the Guru that one of his devotees had come to see him. The sanyasi waited and waited, but the Guru did not see him. Suddenly the Swami disappeared from the Ashram. Everybody looked for him in the Ashram but all at once he was missing.

The Swami went straight to the nearby town and entered a barber shop. He asked the barber to shave off his matted hair and beard. The barber was taken aback. He was afraid to cut his locks and therefore asked the Swami few times for confirmation. Then he proceeded with his solemn job and transformed the Swami beyond recognition. The Swami now was clean shaven with short thick disobedient hair. He bought a white dhoti and shirt too and wore it discarding the sanyasi dress. Now he looked like any other youth on the road. He was now Sri Babu from Kottayam, not any Babu Swami from the Himalayas.

At Santhigiri Ashram, the youth was welcomed as any one of the people visiting the Ashram daily. After little waiting, the meeting with Guru also took place. He prostrated before Guru in full length. Guru asked him to tell him in brief about his life. He told his story in brief. Guru then advised him to join his family at Kottayam. Understandably it was a difficult option for Babu and a totally unexpected advice. He was reluctant to go back home. Guru called him in his room. With folded hands, Guru requested him to go back to his house. It was a begging. Sri Babu could not bear this sight. A great soul begging a wretched soul like him! He immediately fell on the feet of Guru and said, ‘Guro, I will go to my house immediately’.

Thus Sri Babu went home at Kottayam and lived with his family for a few years during which period he lost all his spiritual charisma. Petty quarrels and fights at home dragged him cruelly to a world highly detested by the Himalayan sadhus. The sadhus had only one bond, the bond with the Supreme. Babu endured all troubles of family living and mellowed down to become a normal worldly person.

Year 1995. Spirited preparations to receive Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru at Kanyakumari were going on at Vivekananada Kendram and at the Travancore palace adjacent to the seashore in Kanyakumari. The rooms earmarked for Guru both at the Palace and Vivekananda Kendram were being thoroughly cleaned, wiped, fumed and perfumed with all other paraphernalia in place. Three persons were also instructed to offer ‘thattam’ (a platter with offerings) to Guru on his arrival.

Guru and his entourage came in thousands at the destined hour. The ‘thattam’ was offered to Guru by the three persons in an atmosphere charged with devotion and the chanting of Guru Mantra. Guru, after accepting the thattam, offered ‘prasadam’ to them. One among those three persons was Sri Kottayam Babu, the erstwhile Babu Swami.

While he offered the thattam to Guru and prostrated, the oracle he heard from the Darga near Ajmer came running to his mind in a flash. ‘You will receive it at Kanyakumari’. The experience was so striking. Guru benignly smiled and gave him the prasadam, which he received with both hands. Somewhere in the depth of his heart, a turbulent ocean became calm, very calm like a divine milky ocean.

The Path of Guru

Gurucharanam Saranam

The Path of the Guru
Carlos Guzman, Mexico


Etymologically, the term Guru means dispeller of darkness; one who gives Light by eradicating the darkness of ignorance from your soul. By simply being near a real guru his immense Prakasham - Light - will immediately start purifying your soul in a very powerful way. Why do we need a Guru?

We need someone who, is not bound, nevertheless always doing Dharma for the benefit of others when we have a great soul in our midst who has attained a spiritual state beyond selfishness, who has transcended the petty concerns of this world while still living in the world, who is unattached from his senses and desires, whose ego has completely vanished, who speaks and acts from Jnanam - Divine intuitive wisdom - and who is truly dedicated to the welfare of others, then we can have the faith and conviction that even we must strive towards such selflessness. And the Guru will lead you in the right direction. This is the Will of the Almighty. We are very fortunate to have such a guru in Santhigiri.

Our Guru left his physical form on May 6th 1999 and merged in the Almighty. It has been revealed from the Almighty that this day will be known as Nava Oli Jyothir Dinam - the day of the emergence of the New Light. Many disciples perceived in darshanam (divine vision, clairvoyance, revelations) that since Guru merged with the Almighty, his Light increased enormously and the experiences received by clairvoyance are felt more powerfully. Only a few days after this transition a large number of Guru’s disciples including myself could feel a much more powerful Light descending and merging into our beings while meditating and praying to our Guru. We were amazed and a little confused by this experience, but I, by clairvoyance, could realize that the Guru’s Light has increased immensely. Later I was informed by a close disciple that our Guru had predicted this increase years before his physical departure. This guidance from the Guru for the solutions of problems is now obtained more clearly. It is an amazing and unique experience not found anywhere else, that, the guru, after leaving his physical body, is controlling all the affairs of the Ashram through revelations. This guidance is actualized by our spiritual head, Sishyapoojitha Janani Amrita Jnana Tapaswini, a wonderful gift from our beloved Guru. She has attained a spiritual level that no other female has reached in millions of years. She is the channel of Guru’s Prakasham - Guru’s Light - conveying the Guru’s guidance and instructions, for the proper direction of his disciples and humanity as a whole.

One of the main features of this lineage is that Navajyothi Sri Karunakara Guru has been kindling the faculty of darshanam in his disciples and followers. The knowledge and information obtained in the Ashram, is not through the five senses, but through the extrasensory faculty of darshanam.

The Guru shows us the right path in the spiritual as well as material planes. The Guru informs us that our spiritual duty is not making offerings to dieties, saints, angels, and the like faith, devotion and a total surrender to a fully realized Guru are called for. Also you must have a correct mode of action, Dharma. Kali for spiritual as well as material well-being. The Hindu scriptures recommended nama japa (repetition of God’s name) or of a fully realized spiritual master “as the most effective saadhana - spiritual practice - in the present age of Kali for all attainments. In Santhigiri we chant the Akhanda Nama, the holy name of the Absolute. Traditionally Indians have the idea that Kali is a negative epoch. Of course this is a mistaken notion, Guru says there is a great deal of suffering in this age. But it makes an individual to turn his eyes towards God giving him the opportunity of spiritual growth. Secondly, suffering extinguishes bad karma, that is to say the negative consequences of our incorrect behavior. But it is very important to deal with the suffering. One should accept suffering with faith, surrender, resignation and humility, praying to the Almighty for the purification of the soul and for spiritual liberation. Otherwise one would be in disagreement with God’s Will taking one away from God’s Light, blocking inner evolution. Place faith in the Almighty and surrender all problems to Him. For everything that happens there is a reason. In many cases one does not understand this because the root cause lies in actions done in past . We get what we have to get according to the Divine Law.

We, who live now in this era, are extremely fortunate because man is bestowed with the privilege of working out all karmas - actions - to earn mukuti - spiritual liberation. For such liberation you need the Purity, Knowledge, Grace, and Guidance of a Guru who is a Trikala Jnani - one who can perceive past, present and future of everything and everyone. Such Guru evaluates your soul, seeing past incarnations, karmagati (good and bad actions ingrained in the soul), punnya - (virtue, merit), bhagyam (good fortune), vasanas (good or bad habits acquired in the past) and also the potentiality of your soul. Based on this knowledge, the Guru gives you instructions to conduct your life in a proper manner and to optimize your spiritual evolution. He makes you realize through self experience. Prayer and righteous karma (correct mode of action) dedicated fully to the Guru are also essential. Such Guru can burn out part of your bad karma and help you evolve, to a state beyond your imagination. Religious observances, rituals, sacrifices and offerings based on traditions, are not enough to attain the main goal in life: spiritual evolution that eventually leads to liberation. In this era such redemption is possible for all in Gurumargam.

At Santhigiri Ashram, Navajyothi Sri Karunakara Guru has rediscovered this lost path and has expounded a fulfilling way of life suited for this age. By following this path of a fully spiritually realized Guru, anyone can attain the best possible for oneself - spiritually as well as materially.

Human race gets from the Guru unprecedented knowledge which no other spiritual master ever gave. The Guru performs a new divine holy act which no one else could undertake in the past – Pitrusuddhi. It is called Gurupooja in Santhigiri Ashram and it is an act of Grace of the highest spiritual dimension. Through this the purification of ancestors takes place, liberating the individual as well as his family. The ancestors are freed from the influence of dieties, saints, angels and the like which these has had worshipped while they lived. These ‘celestial beings’ were, to them, the Almighty himself.

When these ancestors take birth again, they will be able to perform their karmas - actions - in a more correct way, because of the purification, that will lead them towards their attachments in a more dynamic way. Also Pitrusuddhi enhances the birth of better children, because after purification better souls can incarnate if successive generations follow. This spiritual path, then the gothram, the entire family line will improve spiritually beyond measure. The deities and saints worshipped might not have attained higher spiritual states and more than doing good to those who worship them, they cause harm and hinder the spiritual evolution of the living. Those who are worthy among them also get cleansed of the living.

Thus the Guru guides you in the spiritual as well as in the material planes, giving you what your soul deserves, always aiming at the evolution of your soul. Whatever he gives will be according to the Dharma - Divine Law. In other words, He is going along with the Will of the Almighty.

Some deities, such as saints, angels and devas (deities misconceived by the Hindu tradition as god-head) who have reached certain stages in spiritual evolution, need to be pleased or gratified in one way or another. They are bound to their emotions, because they have not attained spiritual liberation. They can feel all sorts of emotions, positive and negative, such as joy, anger, hatred, egoism, envy, etc. Therefore they can block your evolution and might even cause your physical destruction, as you evolve, approaching spiritual phases higher than theirs. This is mainly due to jealousy.

Some deities might be able to give you wealth, health or whatever you ask for, though in return they can take away punya – (virtue ,merit) and baghyam (good fortune) that you have acquired during numerous incarnations, and as a consequence you can be reborn with illness, deformities, mental deficiency, bad luck in life, etc. They do not follow a Dharmic spiritually correct way. In some other cases, some deities grant your wishes unknowing of the consequences it is like a father who is fond of his son buying him a big and a fast motorcycle. The careless son drives extremely fast and collides with a bus and becomes paralytic for the rest of life. Remember that the Guru will always give you what you actually need protecting, above all, the evolution of your soul.

Sanathana Dharma is the Divine Perennial Spiritual Law, integrating material life with a cosmic spirituality and it differs from religion. The essence of it is Divine knowledge, which undoubtedly will lead you to the apex of evolution: spiritual liberation. This elevated and elavating knowledge is found in Santhigiri.

In the Cosmic Time Scale of Manu - first preceptor of mankind - we are living in the 7th Manvantara of the 28th Chathuryuga, in the era of Kali, more than five thousand years of Kali have passed and more than 400 0000 remain. Guru informs us that a grave conceptual error had occurred to a great soul in the lineage of Manu (first preceptor of mankind) twenty-five Chathuryugas around 108,000,000 years ago. This led to the obstruction of the evolutionary process in humanity. By 1975, the Guru attained such power or realization as to start an important purification process a cleansing that clears this block which had been there for millions of years. This is the Guru Pooja mentioned earlier.

The deficiencies of your soul with which you are born are responsible for your illnesses, physical deformation, mental deficiency, miseries, poor economic situation, bad luck, problems in life, bad parents etc. But by the grace of the Guru, you can gain relief from these problems. On your part you must be active, doing your saadhana (spiritual practice) diligently, following the Yugadharma (Divine Law for the Age). And the Guru will give you correct guidance in all aspects of your life. Such guidance and intercession in turn lead to receiving children far better than you in punya (virtue, merit), bhagyam (good fortune) and an elevated karmaseshi (ability to act)..

The Guru has said that the first Guru in our life is the mother and she should have patience, understanding, harmony and a proper spiritual knowledge to fortify and guide her children properly. It is only through good women, that a home, a society, a country and the world can prosper benefiting humanity as a whole. The Guru gives great attention to children. These little ones have to be trained well mentally, spiritually and academically, as they are the future guides and leaders of humanity.

The main prayer in the Ashram is a chant that was received as revelations to disciples. Your spiritual evolution is enhanced by chanting it, as it is the most powerful mantra of the age. The Guru had said special disciples will come up in this Guru Parampara (group of people that follow the Guru’s spiritual path; lineage). They would be born in Kerala or in other parts of this world, for continuing the transcendental work that the Guru has started for the liberation of the world. In the foremost disciple Sishya Poojitha Amritha Jnana Tapaswini, we already have a proof of this prediction.

The lofty idea of creating a society endowed with values, society beyond caste, social position and religion, promoting peace will be enhanced by Guru’s cleansing process through few generations. New generations will strengthen and consolidate the creation of a new world wonder.

Even though our era, Kali, started more than 5000 years ago, the Yugadharma of the earlier Yugas, i.e. Treta and Dwapara are being followed in a mixed-up way. The prevalence of worship of all kind of deities misconceived as fully realized souls and the methods of worship reflect this fact. We are still performing tantric yaga and yajna, (complicated sacrificial fire rituals) for example ancient mantras (sacred syllables or words) which connect you to past sources of spiritual energy are practices contrary to the Yugadharma of Kali.

Guru is mainly a reactor. Remember that Isaac Newton, renowned English scientist stated the three famous Laws of Motion. The third one states that: ‘To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction’. This is a law of physics and also a universal law that applies to everything, everyone and every single creature on Earth. When you perform certain actions, such as following our Guru’s instructions closely, doing your saadhana, performing correct actions, etc., there will be positive reactions in your soul through Guru’s grace. Then you attain more Light.

The Guru empowers the disciple to do certain important tasks in the astral planes like in no other place in the world. Such enormous grace from the Guru makes Santhigiri Ashram a unique place.

A Perennial Message from Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru

Gurucharanam Saranam

A Perennial Message from Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru

(Navajyoti Sri Karunakara Guru delivered this Message to a group of youths in Kerala in the 1980s, which has perennial and universal relevance in this troubled times)

Have you ever thought about yourself? How long, do you think, would you be here? Sixty, seventy or at the most of hundred years! Like a government servant you will have to retire sometime. Then, don’t you think that your life in this world has no meaning? From whom shall you get the true knowledge about that true meaning? Would your learning help? Can politics help? Or are you of the view that there is nothing beyond this life? If that is the case, anyone can indulge in any wickedness without consequences affecting them.

You mindlessly talk about an omnipotent power that presides over the universe. Do you really know what you are talking about? Your children are happily playing before your eyes. Do you realize that they are going to be mothers, fathers and grand parents? Have you given anything adequate to prepare them to meet life spiritually and temporally? Would the present materialist class room lessons suffice? Even those who cause destruction and calamity to the world are born as children to parents. Have you ever thought of the sad plight of those parents?

Whoever we are – Hindu, Christian, Muslim etc. – we belong to one humanity, don’t we? Have the masters – Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, the Prophet, Sri Narayana Guru, Chattambi Swamikal et al – ever pursued caste, creed or religion? Don’t you realize that it is the people with parochial and vested interests who confine these great masters? Don’t these seers belong to the entire humanity?

Are not Hindus, Muslims and Christians children of the same mother – India? We have traditions of sacrifice and love. Then why do we flight with one another instead of living in amity for the betterment of our home and country? Is it in order to drag the names of great teachers into your differences in caste and religion? You need not embrace all the master’s ideas, but must you trample upon them? May your children realize their value!

Can’t you evolve a faith above caste and creed? Do you have any place from where righteous thoughts and ideas are conveyed to your children? Seek. You might find it. It is a matter of divine will. Only a realized soul who can see past, present and future can redeem you. He would be above the narrow confines of caste, creed and religion. Jesus, Aurobindo and Nostradamus prophesied the coming of such a soul. If there is humanity left in you, may this thought follow you? Santhigiri continues to give out its tidings.

Pratishta Varshikam -Anniversary of Consecration of Prayer Hall

Gurucharanam Saranam
Today, 10.02.2009, is Pratishta Varshikam-The Anniversary of Consecration of Prayer Hall by Guru.

Prayer Hall of Santhigiri Ashram
The prayer hall of Santhigiri Ashram is consecrated as per the will of Brahman. The foundation stone for this prayer hall was laid by Guru on 20th October, 1986, Monday at 12’0 clock noon (Malayalam Era 1162, Tulam 3). It was constructed as per the intimations from Brahman according to the concept of cosmic wheel consisting of 27 stars 12 constellations and 9 planets. The sanctum sanctorum was erected on the morning of 30th January, 1989. The concept of Guru behind the establishment of this prayer hall is to nourish a universal culture based on truth. The consecration took place at 3 AM on 10th February, 1989 (M.E.1164 Makaram 28). Guru himself performed the consecration. Prayers and contemplations associated with it were done from 3 to 9 in the morning.

A magnificent golden lotus with the conceptual 2444 petals! This had been revealed through vision. The splendid and beautiful lotus was installed in the prayer hall above a platform having ten steps. These ten steps denote the elevated soul effulgence of Guru that exists above ten spiritual planes. Above the golden lotus is the glorious outline of Guru. Situated in its centre (heart) is the glittering Aumkar. From the Aumkar, rays of scintillating light spread in all directions.

The completion of prayers and contemplation for the consecration took place was on 23rd April, 1989 (M.E. 1164 Medom 10). The anniversary of the consecration is celebrated on Makaram 28 and the completion of consecration on Medom 10th. These days are the sacred days granted to mankind by the grace of Brahman to pray and dedicate oneself to that Supreme Will till the end of time. These days are the memorable milestones made available by the providence of God laying the path of worship and dharma in Kaliyuga for the whole humanity. Nothing should impair that sanctity and its significance, our burden of work or other rituals in life.

The consecration meant the pouring out of Guru’s own soul effulgence in the object consecrated. This caused severe repercussion in the physical body of Guru. The soul of Guru! The soul of transcendental union and bliss; the soul that ploughed the path for liberation in the Kaliyuga; the soul that has self- fulfilled through innumerous divine manifestations such as a god (deva), Rishi or a sage of self realization! From the peak of transcendental solitude and god realization, he came down to the world of mortals as per the decree of Brahman. Rising again from the ocean of perfection, re-enacted the spiritual ascensions and fulfillments, in the short span of a life. He burnt himself countless times in the fire of endurance. When he passed through this fire of torment, self fulfillment or spiritual completion took place. His soul became the universal abode of the 2444 gurus born in this Kaliyuga. He was elevated to the true meaning of ‘Guru is verily the Supreme Brahman’, proving the scriptural aphorism. He became the supreme father of the universe fulfilling godly will.

The appointed time for the graceful transfer of his soul effulgence as willed by Brahman came near. It was the peak of self sacrifice – the sacrificial consecration of one’s own soul that pulsated inseparably with the light of Brahman. The soul is installed or poured out on to something external. It is like discarding one’s soul from the body or transferring ones soul to an external object. That was the consecration Guru did. The penultimate sacrifice of forsaking one’s soul with all its earned virtue out of sacrifices made through thousands of births. Here the sacrifice of Guru and the Will of God gets fulfilled in perfect unison. The golden moment in the history of sacrifices! But it is not the end of the historical path of sacrifice. It is only its beginning, the point of emergence which will thread through the epochal valleys of time – the Manvanataras.

The first step in the process of Santhigiri’s ascension in the spiritual sky of the world had already begun with the consecration of prayer hall by Guru. The word of Brahman that Santhigiri would become a world famous pilgrimage centre was being actualized in the subsequent years. Thousands and thousands of people began to climb the steps of Santhigiri Ashram. World famous political leaders, literary giants, stalwarts in social and scientific fields, spiritual leaders from all religions and creeds, thinkers and educationists - all came to Santhigiri Ashram and saw the ray of hope and the preparation for a great renaissance emanating from Santhigiri. They experienced indescribable peace and transcendental joy in the abode of Guru.

Thousands of families from a society divided by the walls of caste, religion and class migrated to a new spiritual movement of equality, spiritual experience and guidance. They experienced godly love and fatherly protection at the feet of Guru. They submitted themselves at the feet of Guru along with all their possessions, worldly and otherwise. Thus a big community of disciples and devotees sprung up in Santhigiri Ashram. Guru created an enviable model of self sufficient community living, which has become the succor and hope of thousands of people, engaged in various professions, trade and enterprises. It was the birth of a new spiritual movement bereft of caste and religious identities and discrimination. It ploughed the path of liberation and human elevation to a depressed and diseased society, opening up the spring of a universal transformation.

Fulfilling the revelations during the days of ‘spiritual completions’ of Guru that great souls in all Guru lineages would take birth in this Guru Parampara (Guru Lineage) thousands of families were cleansed of the spiritual drawbacks at the genetic level so as to prepare the way for the birth of noble souls in the subsequent generation of these families. This spiritual cleansing was called Guru Pooja in Santhigiri Ashram, which is performed to the families of devotees with the permission from Guru.

Guru continued to live a life of extreme simplicity. He still lived under the roof a thatched hut, which he did till his last moments. The devotees of Guru wished to construct a magnificent edifice for Guru, the divine manifestation. Guru permitted the construction of this building and named it as Sahakarana Mandiram – the House of Cooperation. It was revealed about this that it would become the meeting place of world leaders in the time to come to discuss issues of mankind. The heads of nations would come to Santhigiri to seek guidance from Guru in various matters. The process of actualizing this prophesy has already begun. President of Indian Republic, top leaders of national political parties, Governors, Ambassadors, Central and State Ministers and other top officials met Sishya Poojita Amrita Jnana Tapaswini in the Sahakarana Mandiram and held discussions in the subsequent years after the passage and merging of Guru in the primordial light of Brahman.

Guru had completed the purpose of his life and the mission with which Brahman had entrusted him. On Thursday, 6th May, 1999 at 9 PM, Guru left his physical body. His soul left the mortal world and submerged in the primordial radiance of Brahman – the Adi Sankalpam. He became Nava Oli and Navajyoti, the new radiance of Brahman. A revelation came from that Light after Guru’s Adi Sankalpam. ‘Do not think that I have gone from you. I am with each one of you, as the totality in your life. I will continue to guide this Guru Parampara till the end of time’.

After Guru merged with Adi Sankalpam, the primordial radiance of Brahman, as per the intimations from the Light, a disciple was elevated to the position of Sishya Poojita, i.e. the venerated among the disciples. Thus Janani Amrita Jnana Tapaswini, who was with Guru from the age of nine and who performed spiritual intercessions on behalf of Guru through the medium of transcendental visions for a long period, became the first Sishya Poojita of Guru. Guru’s presence and guidance still continue as prophesied and will ever continue for ages to come.

A golden era has begun, not only for India, but for the whole humanity. The liberating, transforming and guiding light of Guru is the threshold to that great dawn of civilizational change and uplift.

From Religiosity to Spirituality

From Religiosity to Spirituality
Rev. Prof. Valson Thampu

(The author is Member, National Integration Council and Member, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions)

“In a manner of speaking, you feel fobbed if, by the time you arrive, the great soul you’d have loved to meet, assumed the wings of eternity and disappeared beyond the veil of time. But the strange thing is that you don’t feel quite that way about Sri Karunakara Guru! At least, I don’t. Let me tell you why. There are two ways by which to encounter a person. The first and the most obvious, is to meet him in flesh and blood. You see him, listen to him and breathe in the ambience of his greatness. The second is to meet him through the impact he has had on his disciples through his work and message. But the latter option makes sense only if the person concerned is indeed an extraordinarily great person. Such a person leaves an indelible impression on the world around him. About such a person Jesus said, “even if he dies, he lives still.” Or, in the words of Bapuji, his life is his message. And to the extent that his message is still lived and lived as vibrantly as it is in Santhigiri, you don’t feel that you missed the Guru by a few years. I admit, with much embarrassment, that I came to know about Shri. Karunakara Guru only a few months ago. That ignorance is attributable only in part to my being a ‘Marunadan Malayalee’ or one among the dispersed Malayalee Diaspora. A similar predicament did not prevent Shri. K. R. Narayanan, the late President of India, or Sri. O.V. Vijayan from becoming an ardent follower of Sri Karunakara Guru.

The real problem lies elsewhere; and it is necessary to state it up front. Even though we pride ourselves in this country, on our unique and cherished tradition of religious tolerance, our tolerance a hazy and sleepy thing. As religious communities we live, mostly, in our separate religious ghettoes, taking care not to tread on each other’s tails or toes. India is yet to become a spiritual crucible, where all religious traditions enter into a free and fearless interaction, in the pursuit of truth and fullness of life. Our religious tolerance is a sort of anaesthetized religious co-existence. The time has come for us to move from tolerating each other in ignorant mutual avoidance to informed mutual engagement, celebrating a shared spirituality by exploring and enjoying each other’s traditions. True freedom is the freedom to welcome what is good and robust in the spiritual traditions we practice as timeless expressions of the human urge to be in communion with God. For this to happen at all it is imperative that we shift from mere religiosity to spirituality. It is such an emphasis that I find in the teachings of Sri Karunakara Guru and my soul resonates with this re-orientation.

A word about Santhigiri before I take note of the Guru’s revolutionary spiritual insights. Widely traveled though I am, and enriched with spiritual encounters far and near, I do not recall another place or people amidst whom I felt so instinctively at home as I did in Santhigiri, from the moment I stepped into that remarkable community of people, fiercely focused on the mission that the Guru has entrusted them. The Guru’s spirit lives on in every detail of what exists and happens there. This, in itself, is ample validation of the rare spiritual genius whose memory continues to inspire thousands to this day. A keenness to uphold in practice and propagate the Guru’s teachings in their purity is perceptible everywhere and I pray this remains so for the years to come. It has been the fate of visionaries and missionaries to have been outgrown and overreached by their followers. Going by what I have seen so far in Santhigiri, I feel inwardly comforted that an eager and joyful adherence to what the Guru stood for is the hallmark of Santhigiri.

It is presumptuous of me to try and encapsulate the deep and daring spiritual insights of the Guru in a short piece like the present one. All I propose to do is to itemize some of the insights that all people, irrespective of religious differences, can endorse readily. I feel at one with the Guru in his concern that we must worship God aright. Those who worship God, said Jesus of Nazareth, must worship him “in Spirit and in truth”. The mark of true worship, for both, is personal transformation. False worship, or worship that is not spiritually wholesome, is a danger because it induces personal degradation. The result, in the words of the Guru is: “The worshipper returns worse than before.”5 Guru’s criticism of using gods to perpetuate caste and class differences is socially radical and spiritually incisive. Superior gods for upper castes and inferior gods for the lower castes! The decisive element, the Guru emphasizes rightly, is our idea of God. Degrading and abusing gods for legitimizing caste inequalities and the oppression that goes with it is a spiritual scandal. God does not belong to any caste or class. Nor are we gods. All of us are part of the same Brahman. This is a vision that excludes social discrimination and oppression in every form.

The problem is not with God or gods. The idea that there are many gods and that gods exercise their jurisdiction along caste lines is an aberration improvised by human ego, especially group ego. As long as the human ego continues to direct and dominate the religious outlook these and a host of other distortions will remain endemic to the religious sphere. The radical solution, according to the Guru, is that we must transcend our ego. It is human ego that alienates us from the blessings of God. Here one is reminded of the words of Jesus, “If anyone wants to become my disciple he must deny himself, take up my cross and follow me.” (St. Matthew 16: 24).
I am particularly struck by the Guru’s revolutionary views on the socio-spiritual engineering required at the present time, as part of his over-all mission to evolve a wholesome spiritual culture. In this he enjoys a profound kinship with the founders of great religions. Their mission was not merely to enable a few people to attain moksha or salvation but to evolve a spiritually pro-active culture. Life before death was as important for them as birth after death would be. One is, indeed, continuous with the other. Playing one against the other is the familiar strategy of those who wish to manipulate the masses and exploit them in the name of religion. Karunakara’s guru’s emphasis on being spiritually purposive and wise in spouse selection and the foundational duty to raise children in a spiritually responsive and socially responsible manner is a challenge that no one can afford to ignore at the present time. “It is better to train your children to be karmayogis,” says the Guru, “than to leave them a big legacy.” According to him the spiritual regeneration of the family is the key to the regeneration of the society.

As a Christian priest and thinker, I feel humbled by the Guru’s forthright criticism of my community. It is at once recognition of the high spiritual ideals of the faith and the extent to which its putative followers play fast and loose with them. It is not enough, the Guru warns, to preach sacrifice. “Leading a truthful life is the essence of sacrifice. What have Christians to do with truth at the present time?” According to the Guru, “Christians have become like Hindus. They have imitated Hindu practices meant to appease God. Nothing prevents from doing improprieties in the name of God.”7 These are hard words. But they are more than welcome as they come from the unbiased concerns of a man of God whose moral indignation is aroused by the hypocrisy that he sees spread like cancer through a community of faith.

The Guru’s alarm at the degradation of education strikes a cord in my heart, having watched over the years the demise of idealism and moral passion in what has been traditionally assumed to be a sacred domain by every one of us. Who can doubt or debate Karunakara Guru’s prophetic denunciation in this regard, especially in the light of the controversy that is currently raging in Kerala? According to the Guru, “The educated are the most senseless. The illiterate have better sense. Pride invariably rules over those who are educated and prosperous.”8 The fact that it is the so-called educated class, and not the illiterate people, who have filled this punyabhoomi with corruption, venality and moral turpitude should make us sit up and wonder if what is on offer today is really education. We have to agree with Gandhiji that “education without character” is one of the seven deadly evils. Arguably, the spiritualization of education holds the key to the cultural regeneration of Kerala.

I cannot conclude this piece without recalling my hospitalization in Santhigiri. That I was overwhelmed with affection, good will and gracious hospitality is an understatement. But what I wish to appreciate here in particular is the on-going effort to integrate science and spirituality in the approach to healing in Santhigiri. To see doctors and spiritual teachers walk and work together in the hospital is a welcome thing indeed. In many other places, including in some very famous hospitals, I have heard slick presentations on the integrated approach to healing in a bid to overcome the limitations of the bio-medical model of curing. What is at work here is the sound awareness that healing is more than curing and that science and spirituality can be partners in the pursuit of human welfare; they need not be antagonists. The approach to healing in vogue in the Ashram is an open-ended one, if you like. It keeps the widows of possibilities open to trans-rational and supra-scientific possibilities. If human beings are more than bodies, surely neither the reach of, nor the remedy for, illnesses would be confined to the body alone. At Santhigiri it is assumed that we are ‘souls with bodies’ rather than ‘bodies with souls’.9 The realm of the Spirit is, in other words, primary. That being the case it is impossible to exclude the resources of the Spirit from the mysteries of the healing process, which far exceed the scope of mere curing.
Santhigiri is not just a religious movement; it is a total way of life. Even a cult can be described as a way of life. But what distinguishes a cult from a spiritual effervescence is the impetus of the latter to reach out and embrace more and more people within the radius of its goodness and generosity. A cult excludes; spirituality embraces. The former is marked by predatory, murderous covetousness; and the latter, by the joy of giving and sharing. It is this that I experienced in Santhigiri over the whole week that I spent there as a patient. And it makes me hope that this river of spiritual regeneration and social reform will flow out of Santhigiri and activate a new vibrancy through the whole of Kerala and beyond.”

(Courtesy: Santhigiri Publications, Santhigiri Ashram)